Image processing method and apparatus for generating sequential still images by extracting still images from moving image data, and printing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus controls to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data. The image processing apparatus provides a window which has a start point button, end point button, seek bar, and the like. The user designates a desired still image extraction range from the moving image data by operating the start and end point buttons. This window also provides a preview button. When the user clicks the preview button, a predetermined number of sequential still images are generated from the designated still image extraction range in the moving image. These sequential still images are displayed while being sequentially switched in the order they appear in the moving image data.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an image processing method andapparatus, and a printing apparatus for printing out a plurality ofimages obtained from moving image data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus that prints a sequential motion of an object as a pluralityof images has been proposed. As an example of an apparatus of this type,an apparatus described in, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376is known.

According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376, a predeterminednumber of captured images are obtained and stored from a video cameraoutput from an image capture start instruction until an elapse of apre-set image capture time, and are printed out, as shown in FIG. 25. Onthis printout, blank spaces are formed aside respective captured images,and can be used as binding margins, as shown in FIG. 26A. The user canobserve the captured images like a moving image by successively flippinga bundle of printouts, as shown in FIG. 26B. Such moving image will bereferred to as a “flip moving image” hereinafter. Successive stillimages that can provide a flip moving image will be referred to assequential still images hereinafter.

On the other hand, the position of the blank space portion on eachprintout in FIG. 25 can be selected from the left or right side of acaptured image to cope with right- and left-handed users. Morespecifically, when the user designates to form a blank space portion onthe left side of a captured image, a printout for a right-handed user(left binding) can be obtained; when the user designates to form a blankspace portion on the right side of a captured image, a printout for aleft-handed user (right binding) can be obtained.

In general, in an apparatus of this type, captured images are extractedfrom the whole range from the beginning to the end of image capture, andare stored to output sequential still images. According to the JapanesePatent Laid-Open No. 10-327376 above, when the user designates a desiredone of image capture times of 8 sec, 10 sec, and 12 sec, an image iscaptured during the designated image capture time, and captured imagesare stored at given intervals during that image capture process. Forexample, if the user designates 8 sec, captured images are stored atevery ⅙ sec to store 48 captured images; if the user designates 10 sec,captured images are stored at every ⅕ sec to store 48 captured images.

However, although the user designates, e.g., the image capture time of10 sec, if a portion of his or her interest corresponds to a portionfrom 2 sec to 9 sec, captured images contained in the first and last1-sec intervals become useless printouts. Also, Japanese PatentLaid-Open No. 2001-223876 contains only a description “an object imagemay be captured as a moving image, and frames may be extracted from themoving image at given time intervals”.

As described above, in the prior art, since images are merely extractedfrom the whole captured moving image sequence, printouts that canflexibly cope with user's interest cannot be obtained.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376 describes sequential display ofcaptured images which are extracted and stored from the whole range fromthe beginning to the end of image capture for the purpose ofconfirmation by the user, i.e., a preview function. However, sincesequential still images are extracted from the whole captured movingimage sequence, if the user is dissatisfied with the extracted contentsas a result of preview, he or she must redo the image capture processfrom the beginning.

Since Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 10-327376 and 2001-223876 do noconsider a case wherein a desired designated range is too short togenerate a predetermined number of sequential still images, sincesetting of a desired designated range of a moving image set as anextraction range is not assumed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the abovesituation, and has as its object to obtain sequential still images byextracting a predetermined number of images from a desired range in amoving image at given intervals, and to allow the user to preview a flipmoving image by sequentially displaying the obtained sequential stillimages prior to printout, thus flexibly meeting user's requirements.

It is another object of the present invention to allow the user toimmediately re-set a desired range in a moving image after the obtainsequential still images are sequentially displayed, so as to improve theoperability.

It is still another object of the present invention to allow to acquirea predetermined number of sequential still images irrespective of thelength of a desired designated range upon obtaining the predeterminednumber of sequential still images from a desired range in a movingimage.

According to the present invention, the foregoing object is attained byproviding an image processing apparatus for controlling to print aplurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flipmoving image, on the basis of moving image data, comprising:

designation means for designating a desired range of the moving imagedata;

generation means for generating a predetermined number of sequentialstill images using frames within the desired range of the moving imagedata; and

display control means for controlling to display the predeterminednumber of sequential still images generated by the generation meanswhile sequentially switching the sequential still images in an orderthey appear in the moving image data.

In another aspect of the present invention, an image processing methodfor controlling to print a plurality of sequential still images, whichcan be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving imagedata is provided, wherein the image processing method comprises:

the designation step of designating a desired range of the moving imagedata;

the generation step of generating a predetermined number of sequentialstill images using frames within the desired range of the moving imagedata; and

the display control step of controlling to display the predeterminednumber of sequential still images generated in the generation step whilesequentially switching the sequential still images in an order theyappear in the moving image data.

In still another aspect of the present invention, an image processingapparatus for controlling to print a plurality of sequential stillimages, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis ofmoving image data is provided, wherein the image processing apparatuscomprises:

designation means for designating a desired range of the moving imagedata;

checking means for checking if a predetermined number of frames can beextracted from the desired range of the moving image data;

first generation means for, when the checking means determines that thepredetermined number of frames can be extracted, generating apredetermined number of sequential still images by extracting thepredetermined number of frames from the desired range; and

second generation means for, when the checking means determines that thepredetermined number of frames cannot be extracted, generatingsequential still images by extracting a largest possible number offrames from the desired range, and generating the predetermined numberof sequential still images by complementing deficient frames byrepetitively using identical frames.

In another aspect of the present invention, an image processing methodfor controlling to print a plurality of sequential still images, whichcan be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving imagedata is provided, wherein the image processing method comprises:

the designation step of designating a desired range of the moving imagedata;

the checking step of checking if a predetermined number of frames can beextracted from the desired range of the moving image data;

the first generation step of generating, when it is determined in thechecking step that the predetermined number of frames can be extracted,a predetermined number of sequential still images by extracting thepredetermined number of frames from the desired range; and

the second generation step of generating, when it is determined in thechecking step that the predetermined number of frames cannot beextracted, sequential still images by extracting a largest possiblenumber of frames from the desired range, and generating thepredetermined number of sequential still images by complementingdeficient frames by repetitively using identical frames.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatusincluding the above image processing apparatus is provided.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a computer readablememory which stores computer program for performing the above imageprocessing methods, is provided.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a computer executableprogram for performing the above image processing methods, is provided.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image formingsystem according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an information processing apparatus100 of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 from the viewpoint ofthe software configuration;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when a paperselect window is selected;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when a movingimage select window is selected;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when a rangesetup window is selected;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when aprint/save window is selected;

FIG. 7 shows a display example of the paper select window;

FIG. 8 shows a display example of the moving image select window;

FIG. 9A shows a display example of the range setup window;

FIG. 9B shows a preview operation interface in the range setup window;

FIG. 10A shows a display example of the print/save window;

FIG. 10B shows an example of a printout;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the still image conversionprocess in step S149 or S162 in more detail;

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the influence of a paper convey erroron printed sequential still images;

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the influence of a paper convey erroron printed sequential still images;

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining a right-binding print layout accordingto the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a problem posed upon adopting aleft-binding print layout;

FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a left-binding print layout accordingto the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining the process of a print layoutaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 shows a state wherein strip sheets on which sequential stillimages are printed are housed in a case according to the embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 19 shows a state wherein the user observes a flip moving imageusing the strip sheets housed in the case according to the embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 20A to 20D are views for explaining the build sequence of the caseaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 shows members which form the case according to the embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 22A to 22C show the structure of notches in the case according tothe embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 shows a paper sheet used to print sequential still images in theembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 shows another paper sheet used to print sequential still imagesin the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 shows a printout of sequential still images in the prior art;and

FIGS. 26A and 26B show a state wherein the user observes a flip movingimage using the strip sheets obtained from the printout shown in FIG.25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

[System Arrangement]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image formingsystem according to this embodiment. The image forming system of thisembodiment comprises an information processing apparatus 100 forgenerating print data (containing control commands), and a printer 170for forming an image on the basis of the print data.

The information processing apparatus 100 comprises a memory 110, a CPU130, a hard disk controller (HDC) 120 and hard disk (HD) 121 connectedto it, a floppy disk controller (FDC) 125 and floppy disk drive (FD) 126connected to it, a printer controller (PRTC) 140, a keyboard/pointingdevice controller (KB/PDC) 150 and keyboard (KB)/pointing device (PD)151 connected to it, and a CRT controller (CRTC) 160 and CRT 161connected to it.

Note that a mouse is used as the pointing device (PD) in thisembodiment, but various other devices such as a track ball, touch panel,and the like may be used. In the above arrangement, the CRT 161 is usedas a display, but other types of displays such as a liquid crystaldisplay, plasma display, and the like may be used.

The memory 110 has an application 111 that controls an image editprocess in the present invention, a printer driver 112 as software forgenerating print data compatible to the printer 170, a spooler area 113for spooling print data to be supplied to the printer 170, an OS(operating system; not shown), a work area (not shown), and the like.

The CPU 130 operates on the basis of the application 111, printer driver112, OS, and the like in the memory 110. Upon power ON, the apparatus isbooted by a boot program stored in a ROM (not shown), and the OS programis loaded from the HD 121 onto the memory 110 to launch the OS. Afterthat, the application program is similarly loaded and executed under themanagement of the OS, thus making the apparatus function as the imageforming system. As a matter of course, the CPU 130 can access the HD 121via the HDC 120.

The PRTC 140 executes a process for sequentially transmitting print datastored in the spooler area 113 to the printer 170. More specifically,the PRTC 140 is implemented by a Centronics or USB interface and itscommunication controller. The KB/PDC 150 controls the KB/PD 151, andfetches instruction data from the user input using the keyboard or mouseinto the apparatus. The CRTC 160 is a controller for controlling the CRT161 as a display device. These blocks 150, 151, 160, and 161 form a userinterface.

On the other hand, the printer 170 comprises an interface 171 forreceiving print data from the information processing apparatus 100, andsending various status data to the information processing apparatus 100,a printer controller 172 for mainly interpreting received printer data,and generating bitmap image data, and a printer engine 173 for receivingthe bitmap image data output from the printer controller 172 andactually forming an image. Note that the printer 170 comprises a controlpanel and the like although they are not shown. The printer engine 173may use any of an ink-jet system, electrophotography system, thermaltransfer system, and the like.

In the above arrangement, when the printer 170 is connected to theinformation processing apparatus 100 for the first time, the printerdriver 112 for generating print data compatible to the printer 170 mustbe installed. Such installation process need only be done only onceunless it is specially required.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the information processing apparatus100 of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 from the viewpoint ofthe software configuration.

The keyboard and mouse (KB/PD) 151 are connected as input devices to theinformation processing apparatus 100. Also, the printer 170 and the CRT161 as a monitor are connected as output devices.

An input made using the keyboard or mouse is processed by akeyboard/mouse driver 182, and is passed to an OS 180. The informationprocessing apparatus 100 has application software 111 including awordprocessor, spreadsheet, Internet browser, and the like. Variousrendering process commands (image rendering command, text renderingcommand, and graphics rendering command) which are issued by theapplication software 111 and indicate an output image are input to amonitor driver 181 via the OS 180. Upon printing that image, theserendering commands are input to the printer driver 112 via the OS 180.The printer driver 112 is software for processing the rendering commandsto generate print data, and making the printer 170 to print the printdata, and the monitor driver 181 is software for making the CRT 161display an image.

Note that a prevalent IBM AT compatible personal computer may be used asthe information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, andMicrosoft Windows98® may be used as the OS 180. When the monitor 161,printer 170, and keyboard/mouse 151 are connected to such personalcomputer to execute a print process application (to be described later),the print system of this embodiment can be implemented.

In the information processing apparatus 100, the application software111 generates output image data using text data such as characters andthe like which are categorized into text, graphics data such as figuresand the like which are categorized into graphics, image data which arecategorized into photo images and the like, and so forth. Upon printingan image based on the output image data, the application software 111sends a printout request to the OS 180, and issues rendering commandsthat contain a text rendering command of text data, a graphics renderingcommand of graphics data, and an image rendering command of image data,to the OS 180.

Upon receiving the printout request from the application software 111,the OS 180 passes the rendering commands to the printer driver 112corresponding to the printer 170. The printer driver 112 generates printdata that can undergo a print process of the printer 170 by processingthe printout request and rendering commands passed from the OS 180, andsends the print data to the printer 170.

When the printer 170 is a raster printer, the printer driver 112rasterizes the rendering commands on R, G, and B band memories eachhaving an 8-bit depth. After all the rendering commands are rasterized,the contents of the band memories are converted into a data format thatthe printer 170 can print, e.g., CMYK data, and the converted data aresent to the printer 170. Note that these band memories are assured on,e.g., a RAM (memory 110).

[Print Process Application]

The print process application according to this embodiment, which canrun as the application 111, will be explained below. The print processapplication according to this embodiment extracts a predetermined numberof sequential still images from a desired range of moving image data,and prints these sequential images on a perforated paper sheet that canbe torn into strip sheets, as shown in FIG. 23. By printing sequentialstill images to line up sequential still images and blank spaces in thelongitudinal direction of the strip sheets, binding margins are formedon the respective strip sheets. When the strip sheets obtained in thismanner are bundled, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the user can observe aflip moving image. The operations and functions of the print processapplication of this embodiment will be described below.

When the print process application of this embodiment is launched, adedicated application window is displayed. As the application window, apaper select window (see FIG. 7), moving image select window (see FIG.8), range setup window (see FIG. 9A), and print/save window (see FIG.10A) are prepared. Note that the paper select window is displayed as adefault window upon launching this print application, but the presentinvention is not limited to this. The respective windows have tabs (301a to 301 d) used to select a given window, and a desired one of thewindows shown in FIGS. 7 to 10A can be selected by clicking a desiredtab.

An outline of the print sequence by this print process application is asfollows:

-   -   a printer, paper sheet, and the like to be used are set on the        paper select window;    -   a desired moving image file is selected on the moving image        select window;    -   a desired range in the moving image file selected on the moving        image select window is set on the range setup window, and it is        confirmed using a flip moving image preview function if the set        range is appropriate; and    -   a predetermined number of sequential still images are generated        from the desired range set on the range setup window, and are        output by the set printer on the print/save window.

Details of the operations for the respective windows will be explainedbelow.

A paper select process executed by displaying the paper select windowwill be explained first with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7. FIG. 3 is aflow chart for explaining the process executed when the paper selectwindow shown in FIG. 7 is selected.

In step S101, the names of printers to be selected are input to a box310 to prompt the user to select a printer. By clicking a ∇ button onthe right side of the box 310, a list of available printers isdisplayed, and the user can select a desired printer from the list. Ifonly one printer is available, that printer is displayed in the box 310.Note that the available printer is a printer which is compatible to theprint application of this embodiment, and its printer driver isinstalled in the information processing apparatus. Upon launching thisapplication, a printer which was selected upon previously quitting theapplication is selected.

A cartridge is selected using a box 311 in step S102, and a paper sheetis selected using a box 312 in step S103. In this embodiment, the papersize is fixed to A4, but other desired paper sizes may be selected.

It is checked in step S104 if a tab (one of 301 b to 301 d) used todisplay another window is selected. If NO in step S104, the flow returnsto step S101. On the other hand, if YES in step S104, the flow advancesto step S105 to settle contents set in the boxes 310 to 312 at that timeas setup contents. Note that the setup contents can be changed later onthe paper select window displayed by selecting the tab 301 a fromanother window.

A moving image select process executed when the moving image selectwindow is displayed upon selecting the tab 301 b will be explained belowwith reference to FIGS. 4 and 8. FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explainingthe process executed when the moving image select window shown in FIG. 8is selected.

In step S121, a file selected by user's file open operation is opened.In this case, a file select popup window (not shown) is displayed uponclicking an “open” button 321, and the user selects a desired movingimage file using this window.

It is checked in step S122 if the file designated in step S121 wascreated and saved by the print process application. With thisapplication, information for printing sequential still images can besaved in step S169 in a “print & save” process which will be describedlater with reference to FIG. 6. If it is determined in step S122 thatsuch information file is selected, the flow jumps to step S126 withoutexecuting a moving image playback process to be described below. Notethat the checking process in step S122 can be implemented with referenceto, e.g., a file extension.

As will be described later, the information file saves the image filename, still image extraction range, and the like. Hence, in thisembodiment, when the information file is opened, the print/save windowis automatically displayed so as to immediately execute a print process.That is, when the information file is opened on the moving image selectwindow, the step of playing back a moving image is skipped, and thecontrol jumps to the print/save window (this jump process is not shownon the flow chart). In place of such process, even when the informationfile is selected, a moving image may be played back as in a case whereina normal moving image file is selected. In such case, a moving imagefile corresponding to the image file name held in the information fileis selected.

If the file selected in step S121 is a moving image file that this printapplication can process, the flow advances to step S123, and an image ofthe first frame of that moving image file is displayed on a moving imageplayback field 323 in a moving image playback window 322.

The moving image playback window 322 has a user interface including aplay button 324 used to instruct to start the playback process of theselected moving image file, a pause button 325 used to instruct to pausethe playback process and to cancel the paused state, a stop button 326used to stop the playback process, a locate button 327 to locate thefirst frame of the moving image file, a locate button 328 to locate thelast frame of the moving file, and a seek bar 329. By dragging the seekbar 329, a display position can be located at an arbitrary position inthe moving image file. During playback of a moving image, the seek barmoves in corresponding to the playback position. A time indicator 330indicates the current playback position by a time from the beginning ofplayback.

If playback of a moving is designated upon pressing the play button 324,the flow advances from step S124 to step S125, and the moving image fileselected in step S121 is played back. Note that processes executed uponoperation of other control buttons are not shown in the flow chart and adetailed description thereof will be omitted, but their contents areknown to those who are skilled in the art.

If one of the tabs 301 a, 301 c, and 301 d used to display anotherwindow is selected while the moving image file is selected, that movingimage file or a moving image file designated by the information file issettled as a selected moving image file, this process ends, and thedesignated window is displayed (steps S126 and S127). If none of thesetabs are selected, steps S121 to S125 are repeated. Note that thesettled contents can be changed later on the moving image select windowin FIG. 8 displayed by selecting the tab 301 b from another window.

A range setup process executed when the range setup window is displayedupon selecting the tab 301 c will be explained below with reference toFIGS. 5 and 9A. FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the processexecuted when the range setup window shown in FIG. 9A is selected. Onthe range setup window, a desired range from which sequential stillimages are to be extracted (to be referred to as a still imageextraction range hereinafter) is set from the moving image file.

As shown in FIG. 9A, a moving image playback window 340 which includes amoving image playback field 323 for playing back the selected movingimage file, various control buttons 324 to 328, and a seek bar 329 isalso displayed on the range setup window. Note that the moving imageplayback window 340 on the range setup window includes start and endpoint buttons 341 and 342 used to set a desired still image extractionrange from the moving image, and a preview button 343 used to previewsequential still images obtained from the set still image extractionrange as a flip moving image.

A moving image playback process in steps S141 to S143 is the same asthat in steps S123 to S125 described above. That is, an image of thefirst frame of the moving image file, which has been selected on themoving image select window and settled as a selected file, is displayedon the moving image playback field 323 (step S141), and the user clicksthe play button 324 (step S142) to start playback of that moving imagefile (step S143).

If the user clicks the start point button 341 during playback of thismoving image file, a playback time at that timing is registered as thestart point of the still image extraction range (steps S144 and S145).On the other hand, if the user clicks the end point button 342, aplayback time at that timing is registered as the end point of the stillimage extraction range (steps S146 and S147). After the start and endpoints are registered, the selected range is identifiably displayed by,e.g., changing the display color of a portion of the seek bar 329corresponding to the selected range, as shown in FIG. 9A, so as toindicate the selected still image extraction range.

In the above description, the start and end points are designated atdesired timing during playback of the moving image file, therebydetermining the desired range in the moving image. However, the presentinvention is not limited to this. For example, the start point of thestill image extraction range may be designated by clicking the startpoint button 341 after the seek bar 329 is moved to a desired playbackposition, and the end point of the still image extraction range may bedesignated by similarly clicking the end point button 342. In such case,the moving image file need not be played back by the play button 324,and an image corresponding to a position designated by the seek bar 329is displayed on the moving image playback field 323.

Also, the method of designating the still image extraction range whileplaying back the moving image, and the method of designating the stillimage extraction range using the seek bar may be combined. For example,the user locates a desired position in the moving image data byoperating the seek bar 329, and clicks the start point button 341 todesignate the start point of the still image extraction range. Afterthat, the user clicks the play button 324 to play back the moving imagefrom that position, and then clicks the end point button 342 at adesired position, thus setting the extraction range.

In this embodiment, the start and end points of the still imageextraction range are registered using their playback times. However, thepresent invention is not limited to this, and frame numbers or the likemay be used.

The print process application of this embodiment extracts apredetermined number of sequential still images (45 images in thisembodiment) from the still image extraction range set in this way atequal intervals, and prints them out. The printout of the sequentialstill images obtained in this manner is used for the purpose ofobserving the sequential still images as a flip moving image by tearingthe printout into strip sheets and sequentially flipping these stripsheets. For this purpose, it is preferable to preview the sequentialstill image so as to allow the user to virtually observe a flip movingimage. In the subsequent steps S148 to S150, such preview function isprovided.

If the user clicks the preview button 343 after he or she sets the stillimage extraction range by designating the start and end points, the flowadvances from step S148 to step S149 (note that the flow cannot advanceto step S149 unless the still image extraction range is set). In stepS149, a predetermined number of sequential still images are generatedand acquired from the set still image extraction range. At this time,the sequential still images are generated so that neighboring imageshave equal intervals (the same number of frames) on the time axis. Thatis, frames are extracted from the set still image extraction range atequal intervals, and sequential still images are generated from theextracted frames.

Note that frame extraction in step S149 can be implemented at nearlyequal intervals using:m=1+INT((n−1)×(M−1)/(N−1)+0.5)where INT(x) is a function of obtaining a value by rounding x after thedecimal part;

M: the number of frames in the selected range;

N: the number of frames to be extracted (N>1, N=45 in this embodiment);

n: frame order number (1 to N); and

m: extracted frame number (1 to M).

(M, N, n, and m are all integers)

In the above equation, if M=(N−1)×y+1 (y is an integer equal to orlarger than 1), all the intervals of frames become equal to each other.

In step S150, the sequential still images generated in step S149 aresequentially displayed on the order they are captured so that the imagedisplay ends in, e.g., 2 sec. At this time, the switching interval froma given still image to the next still image is set to be constant ( 2/45sec if 45 sequential still images are to be displayed in 2 sec).

When the user clicks the preview button 343 without changing theselected range in the moving image, the process in step S149 is skippedsince the sequential still images have already been generated.

If the user clicks one of the tabs 301 a, 301 b, and 301 d correspondingto other control windows in this state, the flow advances from step S151to step S152 to settle the still image extraction range set in the abovesteps. Note that the settled contents can be changed later on the rangesetup window displayed by selecting the tab 301 c from another window.On the other hand, if none of the tabs corresponding to other controlwindows are clicked, the flow returns to step S141 to repeat theaforementioned process. Therefore, according to this embodiment, sincepreview display and range setup operations can be made on a singlewindow (range setup window), the user can re-designate the rangeimmediately after he or she confirms a flip moving image by the previewfunction, resulting in good operability.

Note that a preview setup panel 344 shown in FIG. 9B may be displayed inpreview display of sequential still image in step S150, so as to allowthe user to arbitrarily set a time required to display. For example, thetotal display time may be arbitrarily set, as indicated by a field 345in FIG. 9B. If it is set to display still images in 1 sec, sequentialstill images are displayed while being switched at 1/45-sec intervals.Also, the switching interval of sequential still images may bedesignated (e.g., 0.04 sec), as indicated by a field 346 in FIG. 9B.

Furthermore, a manual operation may be allowed, as indicated by a field347 in FIG. 9B. In this example, when the user slides a knob 349 of adisplayed slide bar 348, sequential still images are displayed whilebeing switched to follow the slide operation. In this manner, theswitching interval which is set using the field 345 or 346 and isconstant and fixed during sequential display can be varied, and previewimages that can accurately correspond to user's flip operation can bedisplayed.

A process executed when the print/save window is displayed uponselection of the tab 301 d will be explained below. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process executed when the print/save window shown inFIG. 10A is selected. On this print/save window, sequential still imagesobtained from the still image extraction range set on the range setupwindow can be printed, and an information file that contains the movingimage file name and extraction information can be saved.

It is checked in step S161 if the currently set extraction range hasalready undergone the still image conversion process in step S149. Ifthe process in step S149 is complete, since sequential still images ofthat still image extraction range have been obtained, step S162 isskipped. If sequential still images have not been acquired yet from theset extraction range, the flow advances to step S162 to extract apredetermined number of sequential still images from the still imageextraction range set on the previous range setup window. This process isthe same as step S149 in FIG. 5.

In step S163, a print layout using the generated sequential still imagesis displayed. In this embodiment, since 15 sequential still images areprinted on each A4-size paper sheet, a total of three pages are to beprinted. Hence, by operating a next or previous page button 356 or 355,the user can confirm the print layouts of all pages. In FIG. 10A,numerical values are appended to sequential still images for the purposeof convenience to indicate that they are sequential images (not a seriesof identical images). Also, a numerical value recorded on the corner ofa blank space of each strip indicates a page number, i.e., the order inthe moving image.

If the user clicks a print setup button 353, it is determined that printsetups are to be changed, and the flow advances to step S165. In stepS165, a print setup input window (not shown) is displayed and, forexample, the following print setup items are set.

[Layout]

-   -   Right-binding: Images are printed in a layout for a left-handed        user.    -   Left-binding: Images are printed in a layout for a right-handed        user.

[Background]

-   -   None: No background image is printed around each sequential        still image.    -   Black gradation: A black gradation pattern, which changes from        each sequential still image toward a blank space, is printed        around each sequential still image.    -   Gradation of designated color: A gradation pattern of a        designated color, which changes from each sequential still image        toward a blank space, is printed around each sequential still        image.

(Default is “Black Gradation”)

[Title]

-   -   None: No title name is printed.    -   Print title: An input character string is printed as a title        (whether the title is printed only on the first page or on all        pages is selectable)

(Default is “none”)

[Image Capture Date]

-   -   None: No image capture date is printed.    -   Print date: An image capture date is printed ((whether the title        is printed only on the first page or on all pages is        selectable).

(Default is “None”)

After the print setups, the flow returns to step S163 to display theprint layout based on the updated print setups. In this manner, changesin print setup can be immediately reflected in the displayed printlayout.

If the user clicks a print button 352, the flow advances from step S166to step S167 to print sequential still images by the designated printer,as shown in FIG. 10B. At this time, each sequential still image isprinted in a size reduced to fall within a 42 mm×34 mm region whilefixing the aspect ratio of the sequential still image extracted from themoving image. Also, the print quality at that time is default quality ofdesignated media. If a given background pattern is designated, thedesignated background pattern is printed; if an image capture date andtitle are designated, they are printed according to their designations.Furthermore, a number is printed on a blank space (an upper right cornerposition in case of right-binding or an upper left corner position incase of left binding in this embodiment) aside each sequential stillimage (FIG. 10 shows an example of right-binding, and page numbers areassigned at upper right corner positions).

If the user clicks a save button 354, the flow advances from step S168to step S169. In step S169, respective items set on the paper selectwindow, moving image select window, range setup window, and print/savewindow (print setup) are saved as a single file. For example, items tobe saved include the printer to be used, cartridge information, papersheet, moving file name, still image extraction start and end positions,print setup contents (layout, background, and the like). However,extracted sequential still image data are not saved.

Since 45 sequential still images obtained in this way are printed on aperforated paper sheet shown in FIG. 23, as shown in FIG. 10B, if theseimages are torn along perforations into strip sheets, these sheets canbe bundled, as shown in FIG. 18. The user can observe a flip movingimage by sequentially flipping these sheets, as shown in FIG. 19.

As described above, according to the print process application of thisembodiment, sequential still images that can be observed as a flipmoving image can be printed out in correspondence with the desired rangeof moving image data. Also, a flip moving image that the user wants canbe easily provided.

Especially, since the preview function, which is launched by the previewbutton 343 on the range setup window (FIG. 9A) that has been explainedusing FIGS. 9A and 9B, sequentially displays sequential still imagesextracted from the designated range while switching them, a statewherein the user observes a flip moving image by bundling the sequentialstill images and sequentially flipping them, as shown in FIGS. 18 and19, can be confirmed, resulting in convenience. If the user isdissatisfied with the previewed image, he or she can immediatelyre-designate the still image extraction range without switching windows,thus improving operability.

If the switching interval of still images can be set in the previewfunction, the user can preview images at a desired flip speed.Furthermore, if a mechanism for controlling switching of sequentialstill images in synchronism with the slide motion of the knob 348 of thescroll bar 348 is provided in the preview function, the displayswitching interval can be switched during sequential display. For thisreason, a preview process corresponding to the user's habit uponobserving a flip image (e.g., the speed at the beginning and end offlipping is lower than other portions) can be implemented, and the usercan preview a flip moving image more accurately.

[Sequential Still Image Complement Process when the Number of Frames isDeficient]

As described above, in this embodiment, a desired range in a movingimage can be designated by designating the moving image extraction startand end points on the range setup window. Hence, an extraction range ofless than 45 frames may be designated depending on the designated range.In such case, 45 sequential still images cannot be generated in stepS149 or S162. The print process application of this embodiment canappropriately obtain 45 sequential still images even in such case.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the still image conversionprocess in step S149 or S162 in more detail.

In step S201, the still image extraction range (start and end points)set in steps S144 to S147 above is loaded as conversion rangeinformation. In step S202, the number of frames included in the stillimage extraction range is obtained. In step S203, the number of stillimages to be converted is loaded. As described above, since the numberof images is fixed at 45 in this embodiment, the number of still imagesto be converted is 45.

In step S204, the number of frames included in the still imageextraction range obtained in step S202 is compared with the number ofstill images to be converted (45) loaded in step S203. If the number offrames of the extraction range is equal to or larger than the number ofstill images to be converted, since 45 sequential still images can beextracted, the flow advances to step S207 to extract a predeterminednumber of frames at equal intervals by the same method as in step S149above, and to convert them into still images.

On the other hand, if the number of frames of the extraction range issmaller than the number of still images to be converted, 45 sequentialstill images must be generated by complementing deficient images. Hence,the flow advances from step S204 to step S205. In step S205, all framesincluded in the designated still image extraction range are convertedinto still images. In step S206, deficient images are complemented byrepetitively using a given frame within the still image extractionrange. In this embodiment, by repetitively using a frame located at thestart or end of a time series (i.e., by repetitively using a sequentialstill image corresponding to a frame located at the start or end of atime series), a designated number of sequential still images aregenerated. Upon observing a flip moving image, if an identical image isrepeated in the middle of flipping, the user may be disrupted. However,even when an identical sequential still image is repeated several timesat the start or end of flipping, the user is not so disrupted.

The way sequential still images are complemented may be changed inaccordance with the number of images to be repeated (the number ofdeficient images). That is, a frame position used to repeat an image maybe changed in accordance with the number of deficient images. Forexample, when the number of deficient images is equal to or smaller thana predetermined threshold value, a sequential still image of the firstand/or last frame is repetitively used; if the number of deficientimages is larger than the predetermined threshold value, sequentialstill images to be repetitively used are distributed among all theframes.

For example, if the ratio of the number of deficient images to thepredetermined number of images is:

-   -   lower than 10% (less than 5 images if the predetermined number        of images is 45), the last frame is repetitively used;    -   falls within the range from 10% to 20% (6 to 9 images), first        10% (5) images are completed by repeating the last frame, and        remaining deficient images are completed by repeating the first        frame; and    -   exceeds 20% (10 images or more), frames to be repeated are        distributed to all the frames. Or when the number of deficient        images exceeds 20% of the predetermined number of images, a        range designation error may be generated.

Alternatively, the user may designate a frame (or its position) to berepeated. For example, the user may select a frame to be repeated from“last frame” and “first frame”.

In the aforementioned method, the reason why the last frame ispreferably used as a frame to be repeated is that it becomes difficultto flip frames near the end of a flip moving image one by one, and somesheets may be flipped at the same time upon observing the flip movingimage. Therefore, the process for complementing sequential still imagesby repeating the last frame is very effective means since the influenceof repeated images can be suppressed on the printout used to observe aflip moving image, and the process itself can be simplified.

Upon repeating a sequential still image of an identical frame, an imagemay undergo a given process. For example, when some images are repeatednear the end of a flip moving image, the luminance values of theseimages may be gradually lowered to provide a fade-out effect upongenerating sequential still images to be complemented. Likewise, whensome images are repeated at the beginning of a flip moving image, theluminance values of print data may be adjusted to provide a fade-ineffect upon generating sequential still images to be complemented.

[Details of Print Process]

Sequential still images of this embodiment are printed on a paper sheetformed with perforations, along which the paper sheet is torn into stripsheets. The strip sheets are bundled using blank spaces formed asidestill images as binding margins, thus allowing the user to observe aflip moving image. Hence, the entire image moves unnaturally uponobserving a flip moving image unless still images are printed atpredetermined positions in strips formed by perforations with highreproducibility. In general, the print positions can be maintained withrelatively high precision on a single sheet. However, when sequentialstill images are printed on a plurality of paper sheets as in thisembodiment, a deviation between the overall print positions on differentpaper sheets poses a problem.

In general, print positions in the convey direction have low precisiondue to the influence of convey errors in the convey direction of papersheets. By contrast, print positions in a direction perpendicular to theconvey direction can have relatively high precision due to the presenceof paper guides and the like. Therefore, when sequential still imagesare printed in a layout in which arrays of sequential still images andblank spaces extend in a direction perpendicular to the conveydirection, as shown in FIG. 12, the print positions of sequential stillimages on strip sheets obtained from a given paper sheet readily deviatein the up-and-down direction rather than the right-and-left directionfrom those obtained from the next paper sheet. For this reason, in aflip moving image of this embodiment that obtains 15 strip sheets perpaper sheet, sequential still images move in the up-and-down directionbetween the 15th and 16th strip sheets and between the 30th and 31ststrip sheets.

According to the experiments of the present inventors, upon observing aflip moving image, the user feels more disrupted when sequential stillimages deviate in the up-and-down direction than in the right-and-leftdirection. Hence, in this embodiment, still images are laid out andprinted out to minimize the deviations in the up-and-down direction inthe print process in step S167. This process will be explained below.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a layout upon printing out sequentialstill images in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, sequential stillimages and blank spaces that can be used as binding margins are formedon respective strips on a printout of this embodiment, so that arrays ofsequential still images and blank spaces always agree with the conveydirection. As described above, upon printing images on a plurality ofpaper sheets, the print position precision in a direction perpendicularto the convey direction is higher than that in the convey direction.Therefore, when a flip moving image is observed while bundling stripsheets obtained by tearing printouts with the layout shown in FIG. 13along perforations, still images may move slightly larger in theright-and-left direction, but the positions of still images in theup-and-down direction match with relatively high precision. As describedabove, upon observing a flip moving image by sequentially flipping stillimages, the user feels more disrupted when still images move in theup-and-down direction than in the right-and-left direction. Hence, byminimizing movement in the up-and-down direction, strip sheets thatallow the user to observe a high-quality flip moving image can beprovided.

As can be easily understood for those who are skilled in the art, when apaper sheet is conveyed at a landscape position, the layout shown inFIG. 12 is used. Therefore, when the user can designate the conveydirection of paper sheets, it is preferable to automatically select anappropriate print layout in correspondence with the designated conveydirection. That is, the designated convey direction and paper size aredetected, and a print layout is determined to arrange sequential stillimages and blank spaces in the convey direction, thus executing a printprocess.

As described above, according to this embodiment, sequential stillimages can be laid out and printed, so that the print position precisionin the up-and-down direction becomes higher than that in theright-and-left direction upon observing a flip moving image.

The printout of this embodiment is further designed to improve the printquality of sequential still images. When an image is printed byrepeating a print scan in a direction perpendicular to the conveydirection while conveying a paper sheet like in an ink-jet printer,convey errors readily occur especially at the trailing end of a papersheet in the convey direction, and image quality deteriorates. This isbecause the distance between a print head and paper sheet changes due toconspicuous convey errors since the pressing force of the paper sheetbecomes loose at the trailing end of the paper sheet and a paper sheetreadily floats.

As described above, when a layout in which sequential still images andblank spaces are arranged along the convey direction of a paper sheet isadopted, either sequential still images or blank spaces are located atthe trailing end of the paper sheet, FIG. 14 shows a layout forright-binding, and the convey direction in a print process. When thelayout shown in FIG. 14 is adopted, since blank spaces are located onthe trailing end side of a paper sheet with respect to the conveydirection of the paper sheet, sequential still images do not suffer anyadverse influences for the aforementioned reasons. However, when alayout for left-binding is designated, i.e., when sequential stillimages are laid out by moving their print positions so that blank spacesare located on the left side of the sequential still images, as shown inFIG. 15, the sequential still images are located on the trailing endside of a paper sheet. Therefore, the print quality of the 11th to 15thsequential still images may deteriorate.

To solve this problem, in this embodiment, blank spaces are laid out onthe trailing end side of a paper sheet in both the layout forright-binding and that for left-binding. In this embodiment, the entireprint layout for left-binding shown in FIG. 15 is further rotatedthrough 180° to obtain a print layout shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining this print process. When a printprocess in step S168 starts, this process is launched.

In step S301, layout information of the print setups, i.e., informationindicating if the selected layout is one for left-binding orright-binding is acquired. If the acquired layout information indicatesa layout for right-binding, the flow advances from step S302 to stepS304, and sequential still images are laid out to obtain printouts shownin FIG. 14. The flow then advances to step S305 to execute a printprocess of sequential still images.

On the other hand, if the layout information acquired in step S301indicates a layout for left-binding, the flow advances from step S302 tostep S303. In step S303, the print positions of sequential still imagesare moved to the right side of respective strips to obtain a layoutshown in FIG. 15, and this layout is rotated through 180° to obtain aprint layout shown in FIG. 16. The flow then advances to step S305 toexecute a print process of sequential still images. As a result, blankspaces are always located on the trailing end side of a paper sheet, asshown in FIGS. 14 and 16, thus preventing the image quality ofsequential still images from deteriorating.

In this embodiment, a 180°-rotated layout is used in case of that forleft-binding. However, the present invention is not limited to suchspecific process. That is, it is important for a print layout to arrangesequential still images and blank spaces along the convey direction, andto locate blank spaces on the trailing end side of a paper sheet in theconvey direction.

Upon displaying a print layout in step S163, sequential still images aredisplayed at normal positions. Therefore, even when left-binding is setin this embodiment, a layout is displayed, so that sequential stillimages are displayed at normal positions, i.e., as shown in FIG. 10A.

As described above, according to this embodiment, since a print layoutis designed in correspondence with the characteristics of a printer,i.e., since a print layout in which sequential still images and blankspaces are arranged along the convey direction, and blank spaces arelocated on the trailing end side of a paper sheet in the conveydirection is adopted, a high-quality flip moving image can be provided.

The print application of this embodiment has been explained. In thisembodiment, the print process application runs on the informationprocessing apparatus such as a personal computer or the like. However,the present invention is not limited to this, and all or some offunctions of the aforementioned application may be implemented by aprinter driver, digital still camera, digital video camera, or printer.

In the above embodiment, an ink-jet printer is assumed as the printer,but an electrophotographic printer such as a laser printer or the like,or a thermal transfer printer may be used.

In the above embodiment, the number of sequential still images is fixedat 45, but may be arbitrarily set by the user. For example, when alayout changes depending on the direction of a paper sheet, and thenumber of strip sheets that can be acquired per paper sheet changes(when a paper sheet is conveyed at a landscape position and a layoutshown in FIG. 12 is used, 14 strip sheets can only be obtained from onepaper sheet), the total number of sequential still images to be acquiredmay be changed accordingly. For example, when a print layout shown inFIG. 12 is designated, 42 sheets (=14×3) may be set.

[Strip Case]

A case which houses a bundle of a plurality of strip sheets that includesequential still images printed out, as described above, and allows theuser to observe a flip moving image will be explained below.

FIG. 18 shows a state wherein a bundle of strip sheets on whichsequential still images are printed is housed in a case of thisembodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the case of this embodiment comprises aflexible U-shaped case member 400, a strip sheet group 410 to be housedin this case member, and a rubber band 420 used to bundle the casemember 400 and strip sheet group 410 and to maintain that state. FIG. 19shows an observation state of a flip moving image by sequentiallyflipping strips, which are housed, as shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 19 shows aleft-binding state (for a right-handed user).

FIGS. 20A to 20D are views for explaining the build sequence of the caseaccording to this embodiment. The case member 400 is formed of aflexible material, and is preferably transparent or translucent. Thecase member 400 includes a nearly rectangular first panel 401, a nearlyrectangular second panel 402 which faces the first panel 401 when aU-shape is formed, and a third panel 403 that connects the first andsecond panels 401 and 402. As shown in FIG. 21, the first to thirdpanels are formed of an integrated sheet, and are formed by fold lines410. The sheet shown in FIG. 21 is foldable at the fold lines 410, asshown in FIG. 20A, thus forming a U-shaped case by the first to thirdpanels 401 to 403.

As shown in FIG. 20B, the stacked stripe sheet group 410 (45 stripsheets in this example) is inserted between the first and second panels401 and 402. Therefore, the length of the third panel (a height uponforming a U-shaped case) is equivalent to the thickness of a stack of 45strip sheets.

Notches 404 are formed on the long sides of the first and second panels401 and 402 on the connection portion side to the third panel 403. Thesenotches 404 are formed at equal distance positions from the connectionportion to the third panel 403. The U-shaped case 400 is formed so thatthe first and third panels and the second and third panels respectivelyform nearly right angles, the strip group 410 is inserted in that case,and the rubber 420 is hooked on the notches 404, thus maintaining thebundled state of strips (FIGS. 20C and 20D).

The first panel 401 is an upper surface panel that contacts a sequentialstill image, and the second panel 402 serves as a backbone. The firstand second panels 401 and 402 have a size slightly larger than the stripsheets to be housed. In this manner, a protection function of the stripsheet group 410 is provided.

When the first panel 401 serving as the upper surface panel is largerthan the strip sheets to be housed, first several strip sheets may beflipped at the same time. Hence, in this embodiment, a notch 405 isformed to expose housed strips, as shown in FIG. 22 and the like, sothat the finger contacts the first strip sheet upon sequentiallyflipping the sheets. In this way, the strip sheets can be reliablyflipped one by one in turn from the first one. The width of the notch405 is determined so that the user's finger (thumb) can touch the stripand the user can naturally flip strips. Note that the shape of the notchis not limited to an arcuated shape.

When a frame is formed around a sequential still image on each stripsheet, the width of the notch may be determined so that only this frameportion exposes (FIG. 22B). In this manner, the sequential still imageitself does not expose, and can be reliably protected.

The second panel 402 serves as a backbone, and preferably has a sizeslightly larger than the strip sheets in the same manner as the firstpanel 401. Since such second panel 402 is formed, it can reliablyprotect strip sheets, and allows the user to easily flip strip sheetsone by one until the last page upon sequentially flipping them. Morespecifically, when no second panel 402 is formed or when the secondpanel 402 is smaller than strip sheets, last several pages are flippedat the same time, and the user cannot normally observe a flip movingimage. However, according to this embodiment, since the second panel isprovided, the user can easily and reliably flip strip sheets one by oneuntil the last page.

Also, the aforementioned notches 404 preferably have a depth that allowshoused strips to slightly expose, as shown in FIG. 22C. When the notches404 are formed in this way, they can prevent the rubber band 420 frombeing displaced, and the rubber band 420 can contact strip sheets, thusmaintaining the housed state of the strip sheet group 410 moresatisfactorily and effectively. Also, the holding mechanism using therubber band according to this embodiment can provide a holding meansthat effectively holds the strip group 410 by a very simple structure.When the strip sheet group is directly clamped by a paper clip or thelike, the strip sheets may be damaged by the paper clip. However,according to this embodiment, since the rubber band 420 is hooked whilethe strip sheets are protected by the case, the strip sheets can beprevented from being damaged.

Note that notches may also be formed on each strip sheet at positionscorresponding to the notches 404 when the sheets are housed in the casemember 400. Such notches can be formed by providing a paper sheet, asshown in, e.g., FIG. 24. This paper sheet is formed with holes 601 usedto form notches on perforations 602. With such structure, the rubberband 420 fits on the notches 404 of the case member and the notches 601of respective strip sheets, thus holding the housed strip sheets morereliably.

Also, a plurality of sets of notches may be formed to bundle sheetsusing a plurality of rubber bands.

In the above embodiment, the U-shaped case is formed using the first tothird panels. However, since strip sheets are to be maintained in abundled state so as to protect the strip sheets and to allow to observea flip moving image, the third panel 403 may be omitted. However, asdescribed in the above embodiment, when the case is formed using thefirst to third panels, there are some merits, i.e., the case member 400can be formed by a single sheet, the third panel can align a bundle ofstrip sheets as a backbone, and so forth.

[Another Embodiment]

Note that the present invention may be applied to either a systemconstituted by a plurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, interfacedevice, reader, printer, and the like), or an apparatus consisting of asingle equipment (e.g., a copying machine, facsimile apparatus, or thelike).

The objects of the present invention are also achieved by supplying astorage medium, which records a program code of a software program thatcan implement the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to thesystem or apparatus, and reading out and executing the program codestored in the storage medium by a computer (or a CPU or MPU) of thesystem or apparatus.

In this case, the program code itself read out from the storage mediumimplements the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments, and thestorage medium which stores the program code constitutes the presentinvention.

As the storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, afloppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM,CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, and the like may beused.

The functions of the above-mentioned embodiments may be implemented notonly by executing the readout program code by the computer but also bysome or all of actual processing operations executed by an OS (operatingsystem) running on the computer on the basis of an instruction of theprogram code.

Furthermore, the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments may beimplemented by some or all of actual processing operations executed by aCPU or the like arranged in a function extension board or a functionextension unit, which is inserted in or connected to the computer, afterthe program code read out from the storage medium is written in a memoryof the extension board or unit.

As described above, according to the present invention, since sequentialstill images are obtained by extracting a predetermined number of imagesfrom a desired range of a moving image, and are sequentially displayedto allow the user to preview a flip moving image prior to a printoutprocess, a flip moving image that can flexibly meet user's requirementscan be provided.

Also, according to the present invention, since the desired range of themoving image can be re-set immediately after a preview process forsequentially displaying the obtained sequential still images, theoperability can be further improved.

According to the present invention, a predetermined number of sequentialstill images can be acquired from a desired range of a moving imageirrespective of the duration of the designated desired range. Hence, theuser can designate the desired range without minding if a predeterminednumber of sequential still images can be acquired.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present inventioncan be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments thereof except as defined in the claims.

1. An image processing apparatus for controlling to print continuousplural still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, onthe basis of moving image data, comprising: a designation unit adaptedto designate a desired range of the moving image data; an acquiring unitadapted to acquire the number of frames included in the desired range ofthe moving image and a predetermined setup number indicating the numberof still images to be included in the continuous plural still images; adetermining unit adapted to determine whether or not the number offrames acquired by said acquiring unit is equal to or greater than thepredetermined setup number; a first generation unit adapted to, whensaid determining unit determines that the number of frames is equal toor greater than the predetermined setup number, generate the continuousplural still images including the predetermined setup number of stillimages by automatically extracting the predetermined setup number offrames from the desired range; and a second generation unit adapted to,when said determining unit determines that the number of frames is lessthan the predetermined setup number, automatically generate thecontinuous plural still images including the predetermined setup numberof still images by extracting all frames from the desired range, andcomplementing deficient frames by repetitively using identical frames,and wherein said second generation unit repetitively uses the firstframe of the desired range of the moving image to complement deficientframes, and applies a fade-in effect to the still images obtained byrepetitively using the first frame.
 2. An image processing apparatus forcontrolling to print continuous plural still images, which can beobserved as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data,comprising: a designation unit adapted to designate a desired range ofthe moving image data; an acquiring unit adapted to acquire the numberof frames included in the desired range of the moving image and apredetermined setup number indicating the number of still images to beincluded in the continuous plural still images; a determining unitadapted to determine whether or not the number of frames acquired bysaid acquiring unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined setupnumber; a first generation unit adapted to, when said determining unitdetermines that the number of frames is equal to or greater than thepredetermined setup number, generate the continuous still imagesincluding the predetermined setup number of still images byautomatically extracting the predetermined setup number of frames fromthe desired range; and a second generation unit adapted to, when saiddetermining unit determines that the number of frames is less than thepredetermined setup number, automatically generate the continuous stillimages including the predetermined setup number of frames by extractingall frames from the desired range, and complementing deficient frames byrepetitively using identical frames, and wherein said second generationunit repetitively uses the last frame of the desired range of the movingimage to complement deficient frames, and applies a fade-out effect tothe still images obtained by repetitively using the last frame.
 3. Animage processing method for controlling to print continuous plural stillimages, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis ofmoving image data, comprising: a designation step of designating adesired range of the moving image data; an acquiring step of acquiringthe number of frames included in the desired range of the moving imageand a predetermined setup number indicating the number of still imagesto be included in the continuous plural still images; a determining stepof determining whether or not the number of frames acquired in saidacquiring step is equal to or greater than the predetermined setupnumber; a first generation step of generating, when it is determined inthe determining step that the number of frames is equal to or greaterthan the predetermined setup number, the continuous plural still imagesincluding the predetermined setup number of still images byautomatically extracting the predetermined setup number of frames fromthe desired range; and a second generation step of automaticallygenerating, when it is determined in the determining step that thenumber of frames is less than the predetermined setup number, thecontinuous plural still images including the predetermined setup numberof still images by extracting all frames from the desired range, andcomplementing deficient frames by repetitively using identical frames,and wherein the second generation step includes the step of repetitivelyusing the first frame of the desired range of the moving image tocomplement deficient frames, and applying a fade-in effect to the stillimages obtained by repetitively using the first frame.
 4. An imageprocessing method for controlling to print continuous plural stillimages, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis ofmoving image data, comprising: a designation step of designating adesired range of the moving image data; an acquiring step of acquiringthe number of frames included in the desired range of the moving imageand a predetermined setup number indicating the number of still imagesto be included in the continuous plural still images; a determining stepof determining whether or not the number of frames acquired in saidacquiring step is equal to or greater than the predetermined setupnumber; a first generation step of generating, when it is determined inthe determining step that the number of frames is equal to or greaterthan the predetermined setup number, the continuous still imagesincluding the predetermined setup number of still images byautomatically extracting the predetermined number of frames from thedesired range; and a second generation step of automatically generating,when it is determined in the determining step that the number of framesis less than the predetermined setup number, the continuous still imagesincluding the predetermined setup number of frames by extracting allframes from the desired range, and complementing deficient frames byrepetitively using identical frames, and wherein the second generationstep includes the step of repetitively using the last frame of thedesired range of the moving image to complement deficient frames, andapplying a fade-out effect to the still images obtained by repetitivelyusing the last frame.
 5. A printing apparatus for printing continuousplural still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, onthe basis of moving image data, comprising: a designation unit adaptedto designate a desired range of the moving image data; an acquiring unitadapted to acquire the number of frames included in the desired range ofthe moving image and a predetermined setup number indicating the numberof still images to be included in the continuous plural still images; adetermining unit adapted to determine whether or not the number offrames acquired by said acquiring unit is equal to or greater than thepredetermined setup number; a first generation unit adapted to, whensaid determining unit determines that the number of frames is equal toor greater than the predetermined setup number, generate the continuousplural still images including the predetermined setup number of stillimages by automatically extracting the predetermined setup number offrames from the desired range; a second generation unit adapted to, whensaid determining unit determines that the number of frames is less thanthe predetermined setup number, automatically generate the continuousplural still images including the predetermined setup number of stillimages by extracting all frames from the desired range, andcomplementing deficient frames by repetitively using identical frames;and printing means for printing the predetermined setup number ofcontinuous plural still images generated by said first or secondgeneration unit, and wherein said second generation unit repetitivelyuses the first frame of the desired range of the moving image tocomplement deficient frames, and applies a fade-in effect to the stillimages obtained by repetitively using the first frame.
 6. A printingapparatus for printing continuous plural still images, which can beobserved as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data,comprising: a designation unit adapted to designate a desired range ofthe moving image data; an acquiring unit adapted to acquire the numberof frames included in the desired range of the moving image and apredetermined setup number indicating the number of still images to beincluded in the continuous plural still images; a determining unitadapted to determine whether or not the number of frames acquired bysaid acquiring unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined setupnumber; a first generation unit adapted to, when said determining unitdetermines that the number of frames is equal to or greater than thepredetermined setup number, generate the continuous still imagesincluding the predetermined setup number of still images byautomatically extracting the predetermined setup number of frames fromthe desired range; a second generation unit adapted to, when saiddetermining unit determines that the number of frames is less than thepredetermined setup number, automatically generate the continuous stillimages including the predetermined setup number of frames by extractingall frames from the desired range, and complementing deficient frames byrepetitively using identical frames; and printing means for printing thepredetermined setup number of continuous plural still images generatedby said first or second generation unit, and wherein said secondgeneration unit repetitively uses the last frame of the desired range ofthe moving image to complement deficient frames, and applies a fade-outeffect to the still images obtained by repetitively using the lastframe.
 7. A computer readable memory that stores a control program formaking a computer execute an image processing method for controlling toprint a continuous plural still images, which can be observed as a flipmoving image, on the basis of moving image data, said image processingmethod comprising: a designation step of designating a desired range ofthe moving image data; an acquiring step of acquiring the number offrames included in the desired range of the moving image and apredetermined setup number indicating the number of still images to beincluded in the continuous plural still images; a determining step ofdetermining whether or not the number of frames acquired in saidacquiring step is equal to or greater than the predetermined setupnumber; a first generation step of generating, when it is determined inthe determining step that the number of frames is equal to or greaterthan the predetermined setup number, the continuous plural still imagesincluding the predetermined setup number of still images byautomatically extracting the predetermined setup number of frames fromthe desired range; and a second generation step of automaticallygenerating, when it is determined in the determining step that thenumber of frames is less than the predetermined setup number, thecontinuous plural still images including the predetermined setup numberof still images by extracting all frames from the desired range, andcomplementing deficient frames by repetitively using identical frames,and wherein the second generation step includes the step of repetitivelyusing the first frame of the desired range of the moving image tocomplement deficient frames, and applying a fade-in effect to the stillimages obtained by repetitively using the first frame.
 8. A computerreadable memory that stores a control program for making a computerexecute an image processing method for controlling to print continuousplural still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, onthe basis of moving image data, said image processing method comprising:a designation step of designating a desired range of the moving imagedata; an acquiring step of acquiring the number of frames included inthe desired range of the moving image and a predetermined setup numberindicating the number of still images to be included in the plural stillimages; a determining step of determining whether or not the number offrames acquired in said acquiring step is equal to or greater than thepredetermined setup number; a first generation step of generating, whenit is determined in the determining step that the number of frames isequal to or greater than the predetermined setup number, the continuousstill images including the predetermined setup number of still images byautomatically extracting the predetermined number of frames from thedesired range; and a second generation step of automatically generating,when it is determined in the determining step that the number of framesis less than the predetermined setup number, the continuous still imagesincluding the predetermined setup number of frames by extracting allframes from the desired range, and complementing deficient frames byrepetitively using identical frames, and wherein the second generationstep includes the step of repetitively using the last frame of thedesired range of the moving image to complement deficient frames, andapplying a fade-out effect to the still images obtained by repetitivelyusing the last frame.